The Underutilization of Default Bros

Physiologic

We all know Default Bros don't last too long in battle, even in the 2nd campaign...Can they be better used in someway? I realize the point to keep them weak is to encourage players to add more friends to their Brotherhood. Perhaps they can level up at the very least (increased HP) so they look a bit more beefier. Or you can equip Mods to their default guns.